Graeme Souness has hailed the impact that Georginio Wijnaldum at Liverpool following his farewell appearance on the final day of the Premier League season.
The Netherlands international was given a guard of honour by his teammates following the 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace, where Sadio Mane scored both goals.
Wijnaldum has played a key-part during the years of success in Jurgen Klopp's reign, winning both the Champions League and Premier League.
Souness believes that, a lot of the time, his contributions have gone under the radar and highlighted the importance of the midfield following the game.
“When you look back at the three years of Liverpool’s success, before this year, everyone talks about the front three, the defence, the goalkeeper, but no one seemed to talk about the midfield," he told Sky Sports.
"Along with Jordan Henderson, Wijnaldum and James Milner - they were the driving force. They weren’t silky, clever or cute passers of the ball, they don’t dribble with it, but they were the catalyst for everything that’s been good about Liverpool, for me.
"They won the ball early and high up the park, they did it simply and accurately. That part of the team, for me, was overlooked. They’ve been fabulous.”
Wijnaldum is due to leave Liverpool when the 30-year-old sees his contract at Anfield expire next month, with Barcelona heavily tipped to be his destination.
The Netherlands international could link-up with his former national team boss Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp if he completes a move.
In his final season in the Premier League, Wijnaldum featured in every single match and filling in as captain on a number of occasions.
